Santorini in May
In May, Santorini averages 22°C (72°F) during the day and 16°C (61°F) at night, with only about 1 rainy day.
High seasonConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Skies are generally dry and clear.
May is a great month to visit Santorini: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Santorini
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Santorini (6th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (9th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C above the annual average (21°C). May runs 4°C warmer than April (18°C) and warms a further 5°C into June (27°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Santorini
Times shown for Santorini local time (Europe/Athens), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Santorini — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Santorini's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Santorini in May
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on May's tier (High season) and Santorini's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Santorini
This is a busy month in Santorini — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.
Why this tier: excellent tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — May in Santorini
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Sea temperature in Santorini — May
Across the year Santorini's sea swings from 17.1°C (March) to 25.8°C (August) — May sits at 19.3°C.
Santorini in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14°C / 57°F | 9°C / 48°F | 75 mm | 8 | 0 |
| February | 14°C / 57°F | 9°C / 48°F | 55 mm | 6 | 0 |
| March | 16°C / 61°F | 11°C / 52°F | 40 mm | 4 | 0 |
| April | 18°C / 64°F | 13°C / 55°F | 15 mm | 3 | 0 |
| May | 22°C / 72°F | 16°C / 61°F | 5 mm | 1 | 0 |
| June | 27°C / 81°F | 20°C / 68°F | 1 mm | 1 | 0 |
| July | 28°C / 82°F | 22°C / 72°F | 1 mm | 1 | 0 |
| August | 28°C / 82°F | 22°C / 72°F | 1 mm | 1 | 0 |
| September | 26°C / 79°F | 19°C / 66°F | 5 mm | 2 | 0 |
| October | 23°C / 73°F | 17°C / 63°F | 30 mm | 4 | 0 |
| November | 19°C / 66°F | 14°C / 57°F | 55 mm | 7 | 0 |
| December | 16°C / 61°F | 11°C / 52°F | 80 mm | 8 | 0 |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Santorini in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Santorini in May?
In May, Santorini averages a high of 22°C (72°F) and a low of 16°C (61°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Santorini in May?
May is generally dry in Santorini, with about 1 rainy day on average.
Is May a good time to visit Santorini?
May is mild and pleasant and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Santorini in May?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings. See the full May packing list for Santorini for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.